Poverty in combination with high population growth and high density levels impacts negatively on natural resources. The current status of natural resources in Greater Johannesburg is unknown but the reality of the impact of population on natural resources should not be discarded and requires urgent attention.  The utilisation of open spaces for dumping and informal settlements is, however, an important indicator regarding the depletion of natural resources.

• Impact on climate change

High emission levels of gasses, especially in areas where there is a high utilisation of coal, has a significant impact on climate change.

• Inner City Decay

The overcrowding of the Inner City with migrants who are unemployed and thus unable to pay housing rentals leads to a serious decay of the flats and buildings in the Inner City. The measurements of serious decay includes accommodation which does not have functioning toilets (7%), electricity (3%), drains that block regularly (20%), and leaking water pipes (25%). High densities and poor living conditions with inadequate provision of services, due to urbanisation, contributes to the poor health status of the area.

• Increase in crime rates

The high unemployment rate in Greater Johannesburg results in high crime rates. Johannesburg is popularly referred to as the country’s ‘crime capital’ and one of the most violent cities in the world, (ISS Monograph series, February 1998).

The high levels of crime drives people out of the metropolitan area and threatens business and investor confidence in the economic heart of the country. The CBD, perceived as the most dangerous part of Johannesburg, is facing decline as formal businesses leave for the relative safety of the suburbs and satellite CBD’s. The impact of businesses leaving Johannesburg’s could only mean less employment opportunities for an increasing urban population, thus creating a cycle of poverty and crime.

• Increase in environmental health related diseases

Lack of income results in people not being able to pay for health and medical facilities, thus increasing health problems. Income poverty and ill health are therefore closely linked in a vicious downward cycle. People living in poor housing without access to clean water, sanitation or basic health facilities are more likely to become sick. These conditions in turn places them in a worse position when they are unable to work and incur high costs for health care and medication. Poor health further results in malnutrition and an increase in levels of mortality.

• Inadequate basic needs

The fact that 48,6% of the population within Greater Johannesburg is without any source of income, and 51,8% earn low wages, has an impact on the affordability of basic needs and services. These people are therefore unable to pay for services (water, electricity, waste disposal, and housing) provided by the local authorities.

• Increase in fertility

Levels of fertility are closely related to the status of women as well as their education level. High levels of decline in fertility rates are experienced where there is a higher level of education, social upliftment as well as economic upliftment. Only when these conditions are in place will family planning be effective.

• Unemployment

Most people are only able to obtain employment in low wage jobs, due to their low education levels. It is for this and other reasons that they are unable to afford basic needs and services, thereby increasing the level of poverty. Low education levels result in people being employed in low wage jobs or not being employed at all. This leads to a lack of basic needs and services, thus aggravating the poverty.